Freeze, Don’t Freeze: How to Survive Winter Workouts

It’s no secret that the past couple of weeks have brought some pretty chilly weather to the GTA. The moment the temperature drops, stepping outside feels like a personal battle between you and the icy wind. If you’re anything like me, your first instinct is to stay wrapped in your blanket, sipping hot chocolate and doom scrolling endlessly on TikTok. But here’s the truth—staying active in the winter doesn’t have to feel like punishment. It can be one of the best ways to stay energized and beat the seasonal blues. 

Last winter, I decided I’d had enough of being cooped up indoors. I was tired of that sluggish, post-holiday feeling and the constant excuse of “It’s too cold to work out.” So, I layered up, grabbed my sneakers, and decided to start small by heading out to the nature trail with my best friend and some good jams. Let me tell you, I underestimated just how alive that freezing air would make me feel. At first, it felt like I was trying to breathe ice cubes, but within minutes, my body warmed up, and suddenly, I felt like I could conquer anything—well, until I accidentally stepped into a slushy puddle that soaked through my shoes. Lesson learned: proper footwear matters.

Now, here’s how to freeze your excuses, not your workout motivation:

1. Slip and Slide? Not Today! Ice-Proof Your Workout

Mississauga’s icy sidewalks aren’t just a minor inconvenience—they’re a workout in themselves. The key? Don’t let the ice catch you off guard. Footwear is everything. Go for shoes with solid traction to keep your footing steady, and if you’re out after dark, don’t forget reflective gear—staying visible is just as important as staying balanced. You don’t need a fall to ruin your workout, so make sure you’re prepared!

2. The Indoor Escape Button

Let’s face it—sometimes the weather outside is downright brutal. On those days, there’s no shame in swapping snowflakes for a spin class or an indoor workout. I've been eyeing those spin classes at the RAWC—perfect for keeping your heart rate up and your body warm without battling icy winds. Indoor workouts are the ultimate backup plan when the weather’s just too wild, and honestly, they’re a solid choice.

3. Boogie Before the Breeze

Getting outside can feel like a mission when the temperature drops, but warming up indoors can make all the difference. Before braving the cold, I like to get my body moving with a quick indoor routine—nothing crazy, just enough to pump my blood. I’ll start with light stretches or a few minutes of jumping jacks to strengthen my muscles. Sometimes, I’ll even pace around my room or do a few lunges to get my body in motion. The key is to get that internal warmth going so that it doesn’t feel like walking straight into an ice bath when you step outside. 

I know, I know, it’s getting all too long to read, but I promise here’s the last and most important tip:

4. Frosty Feels but Fierce Wins

Winter workouts don’t always need to be epic boss battles. Sometimes, the smaller victories are the ones that really count. Think of it like levelling up in a video game: each little action—a brisk walk to class, stretching while you wait for your coffee, or choosing the stairs instead of the elevator—is like collecting power-ups. These mini-victories may seem small but stack up to a more significant win over time. The trick is consistency.

So, winter soldiers, It’s time to embrace the chill and turn those frosty days into fierce wins. Whether braving the snowflakes, dancing through a warm-up indoors, or levelling up with every tiny movement, the key is to stay consistent and keep pushing through. Winter workouts don’t need to be huge to be effective, but they do need to happen. So, grab your gear, channel your inner winter warrior, and make this season one of your most active yet. Frosty feels are part of the journey—but fierce wins? That’s where the magic happens. Let’s crush this winter, one step at a time!